Why Vehicle Transportation is Called 'Shipping' and Ship Transportation is Called 'Cargo'

The terminology surrounding vehicle transportation and shipping can be a bit confusing due to historical context and the evolution of language. In this article, we explore the etymology and usage of key terms to clarify this linguistic anomaly.

Terminology Evolution in Contemporary Contexts

The terms vehicle transportation and shipping have undergone significant changes over time. Historical usage and industry conventions have contributed to the nuance in their definitions and applications today.

Etymology and Modern Usage: Vehicle Transportation as Shipping

Etymology: The term 'shipping' in the context of vehicle transportation likely originated from older naval terminology, where 'ship' was used broadly to mean any conveyance. Over time, this term was adopted more broadly to simply mean the act of transporting goods. However, in contemporary contexts, 'shipping' generally refers to the process of sending goods, regardless of the mode of transport.

Modern Usage: In modern parlance, 'shipping' is a general term for transporting goods. While it originally was linked to sea transport, now it applies to all modes of transportation, such as by air, land, or sea. This reflects the interconnectedness of transportation modes and how the language has adapted to include a broader range of meanings over time.

Definition and Specificity: Ship Transportation as Cargo

Definition: The term 'cargo' specifically refers to the goods being transported. This term emphasizes the items rather than the vessel itself. Whether these goods are being moved by sea, land, or air, the term 'cargo' is used to describe the items in transit.

Specificity: The term 'cargo' is particularly used in the context of maritime transport, but it can also be used to describe goods transported by other means. For example, if a consignment of goods is moved by rail or air, it can still be referred to as cargo.

Historical Usage and Industry Conventions

The terminology difference reflects historical usage and industry convention rather than any inherent logic. 'Shipping' and 'cargo' have evolved to mean different things in different contexts, leading to this linguistic anomaly. For instance, the term 'shipment' is commonly used to denote a consignment that gets transported, such as a book purchased online. Even though the book may come by air, it still gets identified as a shipment.

Similarly, 'cargo' refers to goods, especially if it is marine (i.e., shipped via sea). The term 'shipment' and 'shipping' are not inherently related to each other, and they do not imply literal transport by a ship.

Realms of Shared Terminology

While 'ship' and 'shipment/shipping' are not directly related, there are terms that do reflect their shared realm of transportation. For example, when discussing the transportation of goods, terms like 'cargo' and 'freight' are often used interchangeably. A book purchased online and delivered to a retail destination is still a consignment, and it is transported and identified as a shipment.

On the other hand, when discussing the transportation of goods from a factory or warehouse to another warehouse, the term 'cargo' is more commonly used if this transport is via rail or sea. This reflects the specific nature of the goods being moved and the mode of transportation used.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinctions between 'vehicle transportation,' 'shipping,' and 'cargo' helps in navigating the nuances of modern transportation terminology. While the terms have evolved over time, they still reflect the historical and industry-related origins that have shaped their meanings.

So, while it might seem confusing at first, the terms 'shipping' and 'cargo' have their roots in historical and contextual usage. It's all part of the rich tapestry of language that evolves to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.